Is it time for an upgrade?

[Brndn]

I have been playing Callaway Big Berthas for the last two years and have improved in that time from a 22 to an 8.6 handicap and i feel like I need an upgrade to a more bladed club with more workability. I have been looking at Titleist AP2's and AP1's. So do you think i need an upgrade or do you think i should stick with what I have. Also do you think i could handle the AP2's or would the AP1's work better. Any other club recommendations would be great. Thanks

[Shindig]

I have been playing Callaway Big Berthas for the last two years and have improved in that time from a 22 to an 8.6 handicap and i feel like I need an upgrade to a more bladed club with more workability. I have been looking at Titleist AP2's and AP1's. So do you think i need an upgrade or do you think i should stick with what I have. Also do you think i could handle the AP2's or would the AP1's work better. Any other club recommendations would be great. Thanks

If the clubs work for you, stick with them.

That having been said, I believe anyone who wants to work on their game and improve their iron striking ability can handle Players' Irons, at least from the 5-iron on down. Whether they choose to or not isn't my business - there are plenty of tour players who don't carry a 3- or 4-iron, and there are plenty of professionals making a good living in tournament golf with game improvement irons. Now, do I think you can handle the AP2s? Yes. But you need to be aware of one thing before you buy them and head straight to the first tee. Your current set of irons has some serious offset. If you're hitting those straight, you might well hook (or at least draw) your AP2s. That's because your irons were designed to combat a slice. That's fine, it's just something you need to be aware of. The nice thing about the AP sets is that they're designed to be integrated. You could, for example, pick up 4-6 in AP1 and then 7-W in AP2 without needing to adjust the lofts. If you're going to shell out for new irons, I would make the following suggestions: * Demo at least 3 different sets of players irons at demo days - or at least in your specifications at a golf shop. Titleist AP2, Mizuno MP-52 or -57, Adams Idea Pro Gold, Nike VR Split Cavity, Ping i10 or i15, and so on. A reasonably big list of players' irons is available at Golf Digest's hot list 2009 . I say at least 3 so that you find one that feels good to you, not just one that draws your eye right away. (many of these have options for what to do about the long irons, if you're worried. Titleist has AP1s designed to be integrated, Mizuno has the FLI-HI long irons, the Adams set includes two nice hybrids, Nike VR can be split between full cavity, split cavity, and blade, etc) * Get fit for your new clubs. Most of these companies do this for free if you're going to buy their clubs. It doesn't add to the price and it helps your game. I got my Mizunos fit for free without even having to commit to a purchase. Especially with the better players, these companies want to see you play well with their clubs. Check for demo or fitting days in your area when you're ready to make the purchase.

[1par2win]

I have been playing Callaway Big Berthas for the last two years and have improved in that time from a 22 to an 8.6 handicap and i feel like I need an upgrade to a more bladed club with more workability. I have been looking at Titleist AP2's and AP1's. So do you think i need an upgrade or do you think i should stick with what I have. Also do you think i could handle the AP2's or would the AP1's work better. Any other club recommendations would be great. Thanks

When I was looking for a set of irons I was between the AP1 & 2. Personally I didn't think the AP2 was difficult to hit and hit felt nice but I could use the forgiveness with the AP1's more than the added workability the AP2's offered. That and $250 less for the AP1's! If your looking for more of that "player" vibe then check out the 2's but the 1's are pretty solid if not more "pre-programmed".

[leo3]

With the success you have had with the Berthas, why not try x20's, x22's, or the x20 tours?

[Brndn]

any one else?

[FFemt5287]

My Callaway X Prototypes will be delivered tomorrow and I'll be directly to the range with them. I'll let you know what I think of them after I get back.

[Knockglock]

With the success you have had with the Berthas, why not try x20's, x22's, or the x20 tours?

I agree with you.

At least try some X18-22 tours

[socaltaoist]

I would say definitely. Not only will you open up more doors for you to explore the game of golf, but lets face it there is a certain sense of reward "upgrading" to a players set of clubs. The greatest thing (well among many things) about this game is it gives us average Joe's a way have something in our lives that we can grow through. Feel that we are still moving forward and not stagnating. Sorry for the philosophical rant but I would definitely upgrade. Exceptional advice has been given so far as to the how and proceed with cautious optimism. There really isn't anything better than upgrading to those tougher irons, stepping up to the first tee, and shanking the @#$% out of it....

[Golf till death]

Man your making me think its time I upgrade im hitting the Wilson Fat Shaft distance II irons. I hit them pretty well but they are starting to get a bit old. Not sure what I should transition to. Does anyone know when new iron designs usually come out. I would hate to buy some just for the next product cycle to start soon.

[Brndn]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I think i am definitely going to start testing some clubs out. Do you guys have any opinions of what my best options are?